Superheated Air Cooktop Assembly

ABSTRACT

A cooktop assembly utilizing one or more air flow heaters and one or more associated blowers to superheat air and channel it out a burner (also referred to as a distributor) on the cooktop is described.

BACKGROUND

Electric cooktops are well known and typically comprise a plurality of burners arranged over a generally horizontal cooktop surface. Traditionally, electric cooktops have utilized resistance elements often in the form of a flat circular coil that heats up when an appropriate amount of electrical current is passed through them. A pot or pan in which food is being heated is placed directly on and against the coil. By varying the level of current, the amount of energy and subsequently the temperature of the element and the associated pot or pan can be controlled. Two of the biggest drawbacks to the traditional electric stove is the elements can (1) take a relatively long time to initially heat up, and (2) take a relatively long time to transition from one temperature level to another in use, such as when a user turns down the burner.

Improvements to the electric cooktop have included placing the element below a glass surface panel on which a pot or pan rests to facilitate easier cleanup of the cooktop; however, the intervening glass panel can further inhibit heat transfer and responsiveness.

In other variations, the resistance element has been replaced with a halogen bulb located under a translucent glass surface that provides substantial infrared heat when energized. The heat by a halogen burner is nearly instantaneous compared to the resistance element burner and varying the energy output can also be quickly controlled. Unfortunately, the maximum level of heat output is often less than that of the resistance element burner. In addition, as the radiant heat is transitioned to the pan or pot some of that heat energy is conducted back to the underlying glass causing it to become very hot. The glass remains hot for an extended period of time making temperature modulation of the pan or pot less responsive. The glass can get extremely hot and remain so for an extended period of time which can cause burn risks long after the burner has been turned off and the pan or pot has been removed.

Electric induction cooktops are known. Induction burners act by exposing a ferritic pot or pan to a substantial magnetic field that causes the steel to heat up. They allow for rapid heat up of the pot or pan and also allow for nearly instantaneous temperature change. Unfortunately, these cooktops are incompatible with many common pots and pans including those made of copper and/or aluminum severely limiting the pots and pans a user can cook with.

The other popular type of cooktop is gas. Gas cooktop burners typically burn either natural gas or propane to generate heat. The application of heat is nearly instantaneous once the burner is lit and changes in the flow rate of the gas result in very quick changes in heat output as well. They have several draw backs. The burning of gas or propane creates CO2, which is released into the atmosphere. The gas, if it leaks, can create an explosive situation within a home, commercial kitchen or restaurant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a five burner electric flow heater cooktop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a five burner electric flow heater cooktop according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a five burner electric flow heater cooktop according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heated gas distributor (or cooktop burner) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heated gas distributor (or cooktop burner) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustration of the configuration of a cooktop control system and associated sensors according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise a cooktop assembly utilizing one or more electric air flow heaters and one or more associated blowers to superheat air to high temperatures and channel it out of a burner (also referred to as a distributor) on the cooktop surface. The visible portion of the cooktop assembly generally resembles a gas cooktop except instead of gas being channeled therethrough, ignited and burned, superheated air is directed towards the bottom of a pot or pan. The cooktop design permits rapid adjustment of the heat energy output directed towards the pot or pan by one or both varying (i) the blower speed and therefore the air flow, (ii) and the temperature of the superheated air.

In one embodiment, each of a plurality of burners is associated with its own dedicated blower and flow heater. Ducting typically connects the blower to the flow heater and the flow heater to the burner. Power is provided to each burner by way of a controller. A user interface, which can be as simple as a rheostat, is provided to permit a user to adjust the temperature and/or energy output of the burner. In other variations the user interface can be more complex comprising a touch screen and/or a wireless connection permitting the user to control the cooktop through an app on a smart phone or tablet.

In another embodiment a single flow heater is used that feeds into a manifold that apportions the superheated air to the burners in use. Flow control valves can be used to close or permit flow to a particular burner. In some variations, the valves can also be used to control the volume of air flow going to the burner. The controller acts to control the flow of electrical current to the blower, the flow heater and the flow control valves.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The term “burner” and “distributor” are used simultaneously herein to refer to the superheated air outlet on the cooktop. Generally, a burner is designed to direct the superheated air upwardly and sometimes slightly outwardly towards the bottom of a pot or pan.

The term “flow heater” as used herein refers to a heater that heats a gaseous fluid (or “gas”), such as air, as it flows through the heater. The type of heater used in many of the embodiments is electric; however, natural gas and/or propane burning flow heaters can also be utilized in some embodiments.

The term “controller” as used herein refers to electronic, electric and/or mechanical devices used to manipulate and control the operation of the cooktop often responsive to user input from a user interface. As context dictates, the “controller” also refers to the cooktop's power distribution circuit.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

Embodiments of a Flow Heater Cooktop

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the user visible portion of an embodiment of a flow heater cooktop assembly 10. As can be observed, the cooktop closely resembles a gas cooktop with the primary differences not particularly visible.

The illustrated embodiment comprises a horizontally-oriented cooktop surface 12, which is typically comprised of steel that maybe stainless or painted and is generally designed to be received in an opening on a countertop or as the top portion of a free standing stove. It has six sections: a section for each of the five burners 14 a-e; and a control center section wherein knobs 16 or another user interface(s) is provided. As can be appreciated variations can have a different number of burners and/or the location of the control center section can be different.

Each burner 14 a-e is centered in its respective section and may comprise more than one components as is discussed in greater detail below. Simply, the burners act to direct superheated air from the associated flow heater and hot air ducting upwardly against the bottom of a pot or pan that is positioned on the cooktop. The burner may also direct the air slightly outwardly as well to provide an impact diameter of superheated air against the pot or pan that is appreciably greater than the diameter of the burner. The burners may be of different sizes indicative of their relative heat output and the size of pot or pan with which they are configured to be used.

One or more grates 18 are typically provided that rest on the cooktop surface 12 and include prongs that extend towards the burners and are typically positioned above the burners about 0.50-2 inches. A pot or pan is received and rests on the prongs positioned directly above an associated burner during cooking. The grates are made of a material that can withstand prolonged exposure to the superheated air emanating from the burners. Most typically, the grates are comprised of steel or iron.

As shown the control center 20 comprises five rotatable knobs 16 that are coupled to power regulators 17, such as but not limited to rheostats: one associated with each burner. Typically, turning a knob and consequentially the associated rheostat clockwise initiates the flow of superheated air to the associated burner. When initially turned, a blowers activation may be delayed a few seconds to permit the flow heater to warm up to a suitable operational temperature. In other variations, the air flowing through the burners may be initially unheated quickly warming up as the flow heater heats up. The level of heat energy output from the associated burner will typically correspond to the amount of clockwise rotation of the knob. The heat output can be varied increased or decreased by rotating the knob clockwise and counterclockwise respectively.

Each knob/rheostat can have a light bar 22 associated with it. The lightbar typically comprises a plurality of aligned LEDs that sequentially illuminate, most often from right to left, as the associated knob 16 is turned clockwise. The number of LEDs illuminated give the user an indication of the heat setting of the associated burner. In some variations the leftmost LEDs are green, the middle LEDS are yellow, and the rightmost LEDs are red. Other types of heat output indicators may be used as well including LCD/LED screens that display visual and/or alphanumeric information about the heat setting of a relative burner, such as temperature, as dictated by the position of the associated knob.

The heat output indicators need not be located at the control panel. For instance, the indicators can be located proximate the location of associated burners on the cook top surface. In another variation, a heat output indicator comprising a thin strip of metal may protrude into the path of the superheated air emanating from the burner wherein it glows as it heats up giving the user a visual representation of the superheated air's temperature.

As can be appreciated, the control panel section 20 of the cooktop can vary dramatically. For instance in some variations, the panel may comprise an LCD touch screen wherein the user may adjust the parameters of each burner 14. The screen may also provide information concerning the heat output of any burner in use. The panel may also include a clock circuit permitting the user to schedule the operation of a burner including setting the run time thereof. In yet other variations, screens may be provided that permit a user to change the operating parameters of the burners. For instance, a user could set the controls to vary output of the burners by varying only temperature while keeping the flow volume constant, or a user could set the controls to vary heat output, wherein both the volume and temperature of the superheated air can be varied as necessary.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of a first embodiment of a flow heater cooktop assembly 10. This cooktop assembly 10 includes five burners 14 a-e that can be arranged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 . Each burner is operatively associated with its own flow heater 24 a-e typically by way of hot air ducting 30 a-e connected to the heater's output opening. The hot air ducting may be insulated. Each flow heater 24 a-24 e is in turn operatively coupled with a blower 26 a-e at the heater's inlet opening by way of a cold air duct 32 a-e. The blower also has an air inlet that may be coupled to another duct 28 a-e to provide the blower with air. In some embodiments and variations replaceable air filter can be provided proximate the blower's air inlet to filter out dust, debris and other airborne particulate from entering the flow heater.

The flow heater 24 a-e and blower 26 a-c are electrically coupled a controller 34. The controller acts to control the operation of the blower and flow heater to provide superheated air of a desired heat output to the burners. The controller is configured to be coupled to a power source 36, such as household electric. Additionally, the controller may be coupled to one or more sensors, such as a thermocouple 37 a-e located at or proximate the burner. The controller can also be coupled to one or more pressure sensors 41 a-e, which can be located, for instance, in cold air ducts 32 a-e or 28 a-e. The data from the one or more pressure sensors can be used to modulate the fan output to maintain a desired pressure setpoint. The controller is also operatively coupled to the power regulators, such as rheostats, 17 a-e that translate the user's input into the desired heat output.

In operation, the user turns a control knob 16 associated with a rheostat to the desired position depending on the desired heat output. The controller then signals the flow heater 24 to activate and heat up. Additionally, the controller activates the blower 26 to start blowing air through the heater and out of the burner 14. As can be appreciated, the timing concerning the activation of the blower and heater can vary depending on the operating parameters of the system and the burner assembly. For instance, the flow heater might activate several seconds before the blower is activated to permit the heating elements within the heater to reach certain temperatures before moving air across them.

Any suitable type of flow heater 24 a-c designed to heat air or other gaseous fluid passing through it can be utilized. The present disclosure pertains primarily to electric flow heaters that use electric current to heat resistance elements and subsequently the air passing through it; however, variations are contemplated that burn natural gas, propane or other combustible fuels to provide the necessary heat output.

One type of flow heater suitable for use in the cooktop assembly comprise the electric flow heaters sold by Kanthal Corporation of Palm Coast, Florida. The 3.5 kilowatt version of the company's flow heater draws up to 16 amps using a 230 volt current, and can provide outlet temperatures of up to 1100 degrees Celsius, generally similar to the temperature of a natural gas flame on a gas cooktop. As can be appreciated flow heaters with lower or higher current draws and correspondingly lower or higher air flow rates may be utilized in variations of the cooktop assembly.

The blowers 26 a-e can be of any suitable type and because they are typically located upstream of the flow heater, they are not subjected to the high temperatures produced by the flow heater 24 a-e. The flow capabilities of the blower are typically variable and matched to the flow heater.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of a second embodiment of the cooktop assembly 10. In general, the visible part of the cooktop assembly is substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 1 except instead of a control panel comprising knobs and indicator bars 22, the control panel in this embodiment comprises an LCD touch screen 56. As can be appreciated, either of the represented embodiments and other embodiments of the cooktop assembly can utilize either control panel configuration or other configurations as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill given the benefit of this disclosure.

The second embodiment also includes five burners 14 a-e that can be substantially similar to the burners of the first embodiment, but utilizes only a single flow heater 46 connected to a single blower 50 by way of a single cold air duct 44. An air inlet duct 52 most typically extends from the blower's air inlet.

A hot air duct 38 a-e, which may be insulated, typically extends from each burner 14 a-e to a common manifold 40. Further, either at each air outlet of the manifold or at an another location along each hot air duct, a high temperature-capable flow control valve 42 a-e is provided. Since the blower 50 and flow heater 46 need to be in operation when any burner is being used, it is necessary to be able to shut off the flow of superheated air to those burners that are not in use. Further, by varying the flow to different burners the heat output of the burners can be regulated even through the temperature of the superheated air being ducted to two or more burners is the same.

The blower 50, the flow heater 46 and the flow control valves 42 a-e are all electrically and operationally coupled to a controller 34. The controller in turn configured to be coupled to a power source 36, such as household electric. The controller is also operatively coupled to a user interface, which can comprise an LCD touch screen 56. Additionally, the controller maybe coupled to one or more sensors, such as a thermocouple 38 a-e located at the burner and/or a flow rate sensor located at or proximate the burner.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a wireless interface 58, such as a Bluetooth or Wifi transceiver and antenna. The wireless interface can be used to wirelessly couple the controller to a smart phone or tablet running an app permitting the user to one or both of monitor the cooktop's operation and control the cooktop's operation. In some variations, the wireless interface can also be used to wirelessly connect to remote sensors, such as a temperature sensor 59 associated with a pot or pan 61. The sensor electronics and wireless transmitter can be located in a handle with a connected thermocouple 63 extending into the heating surface of the pan. Based on the exact temperature of the pan, the controller can act to vary the operational parameters of the components associated with the particular burner. Similarly, the wireless interface could be configured to couple with an infrared thermometer that can be handheld or even attached to a surface above the cooktop. It can communicate with the controller directly or through an app that is in communication with the controller to provide data used to vary the operation of desired burners and burner components.

In operation, the user activates the desired burner(s) and sets it to the desired heat output level. The controller then signals the flow heater 46 to activate and heat up. Additionally, the controller activates the blower 50 to start blowing air through the heater and out of the burner 14. The controller may also open or close the air flow control valve 42 a-e. As can be appreciated the timing concerning the activation of the blower and heater can vary depending on the operating parameters of the system and the burner assembly. For instance, the flow heater might activate several seconds before the blower is activated to permit the heating elements within the heater to reach certain temperatures before moving air across them. This embodiment or the others described herein may also include a flow sensor 39 positioned upstream of the flow heater that is configured to signal the controller if the air flow drops below a predetermined minimum permitting the controller to shut off power to the associated flow heater and preventing it from overheating. In yet other variations, a flow sensing switch can be utilized that directly cuts the power to the flow heater without controller intervention if the flow rate drops below a predetermined level.

Unlike the first embodiment when two or more burners are in use, it is not typically practical to vary the heat output to the burners by changing the flow heater temperature setting since the same superheated air is going to each burner of the plurality and each burner may be set to different heat outputs. Rather, the primary means of controlling heat output is to very the amount of superheated air flowing to the burners by opening and closing the flow control valve 42 a-e. The controller may dynamically adjust the flow rate as necessary to maintain a constant heat output for a particular setting relying on the thermocouples 37 a-e and flow meter sensors associated with each burner.

In one variation, a single flow sensor is provided upstream of the flow heater 46 typically between the heater and the blower 50 or at the blower's air inlet. The desired flow for a particular burner or set of burners currently in-use could be calculated by the controller based on the selected settings of the in-use burners and the quantity of burners in-use.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are illustrations of two types of burners 14 that can be used in conjunction with the cooktop assembly 10. The burners or distributors can be of any suitable design and typically resemble burners used in gas cooktops with modifications to orifice dimensions and configuration as dictated by differences in flow volumes and flow pressures. The burners are typically made of metallic or ceramic material capable of handling the high heat produced by the flow heater.

The burner design of FIG. 4 comprises a circular base member 62 of a desired diameter that includes an inlet orifice 66 proximate its center, and a plurality of outlet slots 68 passing through an annular wall located proximate the perimeter of the base member. A cover plate 64 having a diameter at least slightly greater than the diameter of the base member is provided that fits on top of the base member effectively forming a hollow cavity and enclosing the top side of each of the outlet slots 68 to form orifices. The cover 64 may be insulated to reduce the temperature of the cover during burner operation.

In operation, superheated air flows into and fills the burner's hollow cavity from the center inlet 66, and exits the burner through the enclosed outlet slots 68. The outlet slots can comprise a variety of shapes such as round holes, or oval or even square orifices. The underside surface of the cover plate 64 proximate the plate's perimeter is convexly curved to help direct the flow of superheated air outwardly and upwardly towards a bottom of a pan or pot placed over the burner. In some designs the burner plate also has the slots or holes in it.

The burner design of FIG. 5 comprises a frustoconical hollow body 60 that has a tubular inlet at one end for attachment to the hot air duct 30,38, and a larger diameter circular outlet at the other end. A domed or flat perforated cover 70, which can also comprise a screen, is provided to cover the outlet.

In operation the superheated air expands to fill the interior of the frustoconical body 60 and is directed upwardly and outwardly through the perforated cover 70. Depending on how the perforations are placed on the cover, the cover can further act to help direct the flow of superheated air to the overlying pot or pan. The perforated cover 70, just like the disk cover for the burner of FIG. 4 , helps prevent food particles and other debris from falling into the ducting 30,38.

Controller for Automatically Regulating the Temperature of a Cooktop or Other Cooking Device

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a controller 100 and associated remote sensors that can be used with embodiments of the flow heater cooktop or with other types of cooktops, such as gas or electric resistance cooktops.

The typical controller includes a power control interface wherein power from a power source 157 is distributed as required to the heater 146 or heating elements of the cooktop. In a flow heater cooktop as described herein, the interface further distributes power to one or more blowers 150, and one or more flow/shut off valves 142. The interface may further rectify the current as necessary for the operation of the various components.

The controller may also include a sensor interface 180 that is operatively coupled with one or more sensors and provides signal information received from the sensors to the processing unit 186. The wired sensors may include one or more cameras 172, one or more temperature sensors 137, such as thermocouples or infrared temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors 141, and one or more flow sensors 139. The type and number of sensors used in any particular cooktop depends on the type of cooktop, the number of burners and the desired capabilities of the cooktop.

The processing unit 186 typically comprises a microprocessor and associated volatile and non-volatile memory for storing data associated with the controller's operation. The processor and memory can be integrated into a single chip or distributed between a plurality of chips. In operation the processing unit receives data and information from the sensors and controls the operation of the heater and associated components based on the sensor data and information. Further, the processing unit may be responsive to instructions and inquiries provided through a user interface, such as a touch screen 156 or an app running on a smart phone or tablet 200.

Versions of the controller further include a wireless transceiver 188 and an associated interface, such as an antenna 158. The wireless transceiver permits the controller to communicate with an app running on a smart phone, tablet or computer receiving instructions from it and/or sending operational information to it. The wireless transceiver can also be configured to interface with one or more wireless sensors, such as but not limited to, a wireless temperature sensor 159, a wireless camera 174, and a wireless infrared sensor 176. This permits one or more sensors to be placed remotely from the cooktop, such as on an exhaust hood, or be moved as desired to monitor, for instance, conditions associated with different burners. For instance, a wireless temperature sensor can be configured to attach to the side of a pot providing information about the temperature of the pot's side and incidentally the contents of the pot to the controller by way of the transceiver. In another variation, the wireless temperature sensor could include a probe that is placed directly on or in the pot's contents.

Some of the various sensors permit an active control of a cooktop burner's operation to maintain a desired heat output and/or temperature not only of the super-heated air emanating from a burner, but also temperature of the pot or pan and the contents therein. In one embodiment of a cooktop, infrared temperature sensors 137 and/or cameras 172, which may include infrared sensing capabilities, may be mounted into the cooktop surface 12 facing upwardly to a location wherein the bottom surface of a pot or pan would be received on the associated grate 18. The temperature data is transmitted through the sensor interface to the processing unit 186. The processing unit then uses the data to adjust the temperature and/or flow from the associated burner. By sampling the pot or pan's temperature on a regular basis during the cooking process, a precise temperature of the pot or pan can be maintained.

In another cooktop embodiment, wireless sensors are used to transmit data to the controller 100 that are used by the controller to vary temperature output of the cooktop's burners. For instance, as described above, a wireless thermocouple assembly can be fitted to a pot or pan such that the thermocouple measures the temperature of the heated portion of the pan, or the contents therein, and the data is transmitted to the controllers processing unit 186 by way of the wireless transceiver 188. The controller can than adjust the energy output of the associated burner accordingly.

In yet another embodiment, one or more wireless sensor assemblies comprising infrared temperature sensors 176 and one or more wireless cameras 174 with or without infrared sensing capabilities can be placed in or on an exhaust hood or other surface above a cooktop. The one or more cameras can used to determine which burners are in use, i.e. have a pot or pan on them, to trigger the infrared sensor(s) to begin sensing the temperature of the identified pots or pans, or sense the temperature of the pots or pans itself. The camera can also be used to send photos or live stream videos to an app running on a smart phone or tablet so that a user can monitor the cooking process remotely. The one or more infrared temperature sensors are configured to measure one or both of the temperature of the pot or pan and the temperature of the food item being cooked or heated. In at least one variation the temperature sensor is unnecessary wherein the camera with infrared sensing capabilities is able to focus on and measure individual temperatures of one or more pots and pans in use. The temperature data from the infrared-capable camera(s) is transmitted to the controller, which varies the operational parameters of the various burners to maintain desired time and temperature profiles.

The data from the wireless sensors and the wireless camera 174 in particular can be used to prevent or mitigate an unsafe operating condition to develop with the cooktop. For instance, the processing unit of the controller can use the camera data to determine if the food product being cooked is burning by one or both recognizing an undesirable color change in the food product (i.e it is turning black) or by recognizing an increase in opacity caused by smoke, or a rapid increase in temperature such as might be the result of a fire in the pot or pan, or when the liquid contents of a pot or pan boils away. Based on a concern over operating conditions, the controller could turn off the associated burner and notify the user, such as through the app running on the smart phone 200, or by triggering an alarm on the cooktop such as a light strobe or audible alarm.

The controller can be configured to run various cooking profiles offering the user flexibility not found in typical cooktops. For instance, the user may be able to set the rate of temperature increase of an item being cooked or warmed up to the desired temperature to prevent hot spots or burning. The user may be able to set a cooking cycle that includes moving between different temperatures and time at the programmed temperatures. For instance, the user may set a stew to cook in a pot over a burner for several hours at a predetermined higher temperature, but be kept warm thereafter at a lower temperature. The user may be able to set a start time to begin cooking wherein the controller automatically turns the burner on and heats the contents of a pot or pan to the desired temperature. In some variations, the controller can monitor the contents of a pot by way of the wireless camera and adjust or terminate the cooking cycle when the item being cooked changes appearance, such as for example, egg whites changing from clear to white. In another variation, cooking could be terminated and a user notified when the contents of the pot reach a target temperature as sensed by an infrared camera or infrared temperature sensor, for example, when making caramels or candies where the desired consistency of the confection is obtained by cooking the mixture until a desired temperature (i.e. “soft ball”, “hard crack”, etc.) is reached, which is indicative of the sugar to water ratio being targeted. As can be appreciated, the controller can be user configured in a myriad of ways to facilitate more effective and accurate food preparation.

The camera 172, 174 can also be used in conjunction with the controller and the smart phone 200 running the app 202 to monitor the item being cooked remotely, such as when a parent might need to step away from a kitchen to tend to an infant or child. Depending on the information provided to the app, the user can adjust the cooking parameters, such as raise or lower the cooking temperature.

As can be appreciated, the controller 100 can be configured for use on other types of cooktops other than flow heater cooktops. For instance, the controller can use the data from the infrared temperature sensors to vary the gas output of a gas burner, or the current supplied to an electric resistance coil burner or halogen burner. A similar controller can also be used in other types of cooking devices including but not limited to gas grills and ovens.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

For instance, the number of flow heater, blowers and burners can vary significantly as can the number of burners served by a flow heater and/or blower. Whereas the embodiment of FIG. 2 shows a system wherein each burner is associated with a dedicated flow heater and blower, and FIG. 3 shows a system with one flow heater and one blower supplying a plurality of burners, another embodiment could comprise a plurality of burners with a flow heater associated with each burner but a single blower feeding all the flow heaters by way of a cold air manifold. In this embodiment, air flow valves would be located between the heaters and the manifold to modulate the flow to each of the burners when in use. Of course, variations of the three embodiments could exist in any reasonable combination of burners with flow heaters and blowers as is practical given a particular design and operating parameters. 

I claim:
 1. A cooktop assembly comprising: a generally horizontal cooktop surface; one or more burners positioned on the cooktop surface, a first burner of the one or more burners having a first burner air inlet and a first burner air outlet; one or more flow heaters, a first flow heater of the one or more flow heaters having a first heater air inlet and a first heater air outlet with the first heater air outlet being operatively coupled with the first burner air inlet; one or more blowers, a first blower of the one or more blowers having a first blower air outlet and a first blower air inlet with the first blower outlet being operatively coupled with the first heater inlet; a controller, the controller being operatively coupled to each of the one or more flow heaters and the one or more blowers to control the operation thereof; and at least one user interface, the at least one user interface being operatively coupled with the controller.
 2. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature sensors operatively coupled with the controller wherein a first temperature sensor of the one or more temperature sensors is positioned proximate the first burner.
 3. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more pressure sensors operatively coupled with the controller, a first pressure sensor of the one or more pressure sensors being located in an airflow extending from a first blower air inlet to the first burner air outlet.
 4. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more flow rate sensors operatively coupled with the controller, a first flow sensor of the one or more flow sensors being located in an airflow extending from a first blower air inlet to the first burner air outlet.
 5. The cooktop assembly of claim 1 further comprising one or more temperature sensors and either one or more flow rate sensors or one or more pressure sensors wherein the one or more temperature sensors, one or more flow rate sensors and one or more pressure sensors as applicable are operatively coupled with the controller wherein a first temperature sensor of the one or more temperature sensors are both positioned proximate the first burner, and one or both of a first flow rate sensor of the one or more flow rates sensors and a first pressure sensor of the one or more pressure sensors are positioned in an airflow extending from a first blower air inlet to the first burner air outlet.
 6. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises one or more power regulators, a first power regulator of the one or more power regulators being operatively coupled with the controller and configured to set a heat output level for the first burner.
 7. The cooktop assembly of claim 6, wherein one or more rheostats, rectifiers, or potentiometers include knobs and are rotatable.
 8. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a touchscreen, the touchscreen being operatively coupled with the controller and configured to set a heat output level for the first burner.
 9. The cooktop assembly of claim 1 further including a wireless interface operatively coupled to the controller.
 10. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, wherein the first flow heater is electrically powered.
 11. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more grates, the one or more grates positioned on the cooktop surface overlying the one or more burners.
 12. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further including one or more heat output indicators coupled to the controller, a first heat output indicator configured to visually provide a visual representation of the heat output of the first burner.
 13. The cooktop assembly of claim 1 including one or more heat output indicators.
 14. The cooktop assembly of claim 13, wherein a first heat output indicator comprises a piece of metal positioned proximate the first burner and the airflow emanating therefrom during operation, the piece of metal being configured to glow when subjected to superheated air.
 15. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, further including one or more flow control valves, a first flow control valve of the one or more flow control valves being operatively positioned between the first flow heater air outlet and the first blower air inlet.
 16. The cooktop assembly of claim 15, wherein the first flow control valve is configured to regulate the flow of air therethrough.
 17. The cooktop assembly of claim 1, wherein the first blower air outlet is operatively coupled to the first flow heater air input by a first cold air duct, and the first flow heater air output is operatively coupled to the first burner air inlet by a first hot air duct.
 18. A cooktop assembly comprising: a generally horizontal cooktop surface; one or more burners positioned on the cooktop surface, a first burner of the one or more burners having a first burner air inlet and a first burner air outlet; one or more electric flow heaters, a first flow heater of the one or more electric flow heaters having a first heater air inlet and a first heater air outlet with the first heater air outlet being operatively coupled with the first burner air inlet; one or more blowers, a first blower of the one or more blowers having a first blower air outlet and a first blower air inlet with the first blower outlet being operatively coupled with the first heater inlet; a controller, the controller being operatively coupled to each of the one or more flow heaters and the one or more blowers to control the operation thereof; one or more temperature sensors operatively coupled to the controller, a first temperature sensor of the one or more temperature sensors is positioned proximate the first burner; one or more heat output indicators operatively coupled to the controller, a first heat output indicator of the one or more heat output indicators configured to give a user a visual indication of the heat output level of the first burner; and at least one user interface, the at least one user interface being operatively coupled with the controller and being configured to vary the heat output of the burners.
 19. The cooktop assembly of claim 19, further comprising one or more flow control valves, a first flow control valve of the one or more flow control valves being operatively positioned between the first blower air inlet and the first burner air inlet.
 20. The cooktop assembly of claim 18, further comprising one or more flow rate sensors operatively coupled with the controller wherein a first flow rate sensor of the one or more flow rate sensors is positioned proximate the first burner. 